Kasto 0 Posted November 14, 2007 Share Posted November 14, 2007 Hi all im new to the forums! (well, i have been reading for a while now) Can anyone give me some info on Iwanai ski resort. Are they opening at all this season? Are both lifts operating, or are they operating a cat skiing service? A similar discusssion took place on here named 'sneaky day trips from niseko' but nobody could answer if the resort was operating this year? Also, wat can i expect in regards to terrain? Finally, how long does it take to drive to Iwanai from Hirafu and is it true it snows at the beach in iwanai?! Sorry for so many questions!! Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 I was thinking of heading out that way in February, but I'm fully planning on calling them first when the season gets going. It's a pretty remote area, so even if they are "open", I wouldn't be at all surprised if the operations are limited on weekdays. If you're going to be in Niseko or somewhere anyway, have one of the Japanese-speaking staff at your hotel/inn/pension give Iwanai a call before you head out. Not sure yet on the terrain yet (I'll tell you after Feb. if all goes well! ), but there was an interesting article here on SJ about the place that piqued my interest (you've probably read the same thing). The drive will take a fair bit of time since I believe the road over the top is closed in winter, so you'll have to drive around to Tomari and head down the coast to Iwanai. Guessing less than two hours. Yes it does snow on the beach - All over Hokkaido in winter in fact. Have you read anything about the beach there? Most of the "beaches" on that side are "rocky shoreline", with a few exceptions (like the grey sand beach in Ishikari, North of Otaru). Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 Katso we have snow to sea level here usually from the later half of Nov through to around mid March. Otaru (at sea level) regularly receives in excess of 7m of snow annually which is more than most high level ski resorts in the world get. Link to post Share on other sites
ausi ski bum 1 Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 I am planning on going to Otaru in Jan Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 why do you want to go to Otaru? Link to post Share on other sites
Kasto 0 Posted November 15, 2007 Author Share Posted November 15, 2007 Thanks for the info! Has anyone here skiied or boarded at Iwanai? Does anyone have any pics of the 'beach' at Ishikari or Otaru (or anywhere in hokkaido)! covered in snow? Link to post Share on other sites
ausi ski bum 1 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Originally Posted By: thursday why do you want to go to Otaru? Cause I have never been there, I am there 20 days this year, we tend to ski two and go do something else the third. Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Originally Posted By: Kasto ...Does anyone have any pics of the 'beach' at Ishikari or Otaru (or anywhere in hokkaido)! covered in snow? I'm pretty sure I have something - I'll take a look in the archives and post what I find next week. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Originally Posted By: ausi ski bum Originally Posted By: thursday why do you want to go to Otaru? Cause I have never been there, I am there 20 days this year, we tend to ski two and go do something else the third. don't go buying any of the crabs in Otaru, they are marked up outrageously compared to Sapporo. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 I love Otaru. ASB make sure you visit Le Tao chocolates. Man they are sooo good!! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 don't they make some kind of special glass or crystal there that are must buy souvenirs. Link to post Share on other sites
Kasto 0 Posted November 18, 2007 Author Share Posted November 18, 2007 That would be great Ezorisu Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 This is the Ishikari coast all snowed-in. The beach that is nice in summer is way out on the far side of the bay. There are a few nice surfing breaks along the coast to the left toward Otaru. Sorry - couldn't find any pics of snow "right up on the beach" - If I'm not mistaken I have some somewhere... just couldn't find them. Link to post Share on other sites
Kasto 0 Posted November 21, 2007 Author Share Posted November 21, 2007 Thanks alot Ezorisu! I'll have to check it out this Feb. Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Just some info for those interested in checking out Iwanai. I drove up there today,they had one lift running that went pretty much nowhere. They are now running a snowcat operation tuesday,thursday and saturday that will take you up to 700m for 10,000 yen or NAC does trips out there for 24,000 yen. From the looks of it they dont run the other lifts anymore and the upper ski runs are starting to reclaimed by shrubs. Snow cover was was a bit thin and some of the disused runs had alot of shrubbery sticking out....still reckon it would need about another meter to make it worthwhile. There was probably only 20 skiers at the hill max....bit of a ghost town really. The gyu don at the cafe was not bad and people seemed friendly. If we start to get some decent snowfalls I might head over there in a few weeks. Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Oh.... You must ring ahead and book a spot on the cat. Takes 8 people max and you can book the cat out for the whole day for 80,000. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 1 man for 700m? Errr. next punter please. Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Not just once, the cat runs all day. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Wish they could take you right to the top. Some sweet looking terrain off the peak. Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 just hike it. you have 2 legs dont you? Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Well I probably will but getting a lift up in a cat would be so much more convenient...I am getting older you know! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hiking is really over rated. It's great for the young, but we have our limitations. And preferences. We choose not to, 'cos we can...... Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 im not old but not young either. yes, yes we all know how much money you have thursday. i could get heli's and cats too. i just prefer my own power. Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Good to know what's running, Halfmachine - Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
Kasto 0 Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 Thanks for keeping this topic alive! Good to hear what is happening up there, cheers! Link to post Share on other sites
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